IPL spot-fixing: An embarrassing spot for Delhi police

Delhi court's decision to drop all charges against Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan & Ajit Chandila puts their accusers in a spot of bother

New Delhi: Slapped with charges including that of organised crime, India’s Test discard S Sreesanth and two other cricketers Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, were discharged in the sensational 2013 IPL-6 spot-fixing case on Saturday by a court here which held that police has failed to make out a case against them.

S Sreesanth talks to a well wisher over the phone outside Patiala House Courts in New Delhi on Saturday. PIC/PTI

“All are discharged,” Additional Sessions Judge Neena Bansal Krishna said while pronouncing the order clearing in all, 36 persons accused of cheating, cheating by personation and conspiracy along with charges under the tough Maharashtra law MCOCA.

Sreesanth, 32, broke down on hearing the order while the other accused including the players present in the courtroom started hugging each other. The three cricketers were banned for life from the game by BCCI immediately after police action in the alleged scam two years ago.

Ban stays, says BCCIHowever, the Indian cricket board, just after the decision of the court, said: “Any disciplinary proceeding or decision taken by the BCCI is independent to any criminal proceeding and has no bearing. The decisions of the BCCI, based on its independent disciplinary action, shall remain unaltered.” They were accused of involvement in organised crime syndicate run by the dons. But the court, which was to decide whether to frame charges in the case, however, said the police was also unable to substantiate charges under MCOCA and also under the Indian Penal Code. Six accused including Ibrahim and Shakeel were declared proclaimed offenders.